a concise guide to the Olympics and other sporting events in 2012

Category Archives: Football

Post navigation

IF you were asked which country leads the Olympic medal table, I am sure very few of you would have said the USA.

It might sound strange, but it’s true – they head the overall table with three golds, two silver and one bronze medal.

Olympic football history

Men’s football first appeared at the Games in 1908 in London, and has appeared in every Games since then, apart from the 1932 Olympics in LA.

Women’s football started relatively recently, in 1996 in Atalanta.

It wasn’t until 1992 when all professionals under 23 were allowed to compete and the IOC permitted three over-age players to compete from 1996 onwards.

The women’s event has no restrictions.

Football in London

There are 16 men’s teams, and 12 women’s. They all play group matches before the knock-out stage, where extra-time will be played if required. That’s a total of 504 athletes if you wanted to know.

Matches are taking place across the country – in Glasgow, Coventry, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and, of course, London.

Team GB

Stuart Pearce’s side boasts everything from the raw talent of Micah Richards to the evergreen Ryan Giggs. It will be interesting to see how they come up against the likes of Brazilians Neymar and Alexandre Pato.

And Finally…

Look out for: James Tomkins. (GB – West Ham player). Someone has to be the star.

Not to be confused with: the European Championships, the World Cup, Copa America, the Premier League, in fact any other football tournament.

Useless but informative fact: rather surprisingly, Brazil have only won two football medals at the Olympics – both silvers in the 1980s.

Alright, probably not, but with Italian striker Mario Balotelli you just never know.

The Euro 2012 final sees the favourites, Spain take on the tournament’s surprise package, Italy.

The Spanish have played most of the time without a striker, ensuring Fernando Torres’ miserable past few years show no sign of coming to an end, but despite this somewhat bizarre stance, they have found a way to overcome their opponents.

Meanwhile, Italy have defied expectations to reach the final. Their shock 2-1 victory over Germany in the semi-finals came totally out the blue.

It sets up an intriguing encounter between two of European football’s heavyweights.

The favourites will be current European and World Champions Spain, but Italy certainly have the ability to cause an upset and I think it will be an extremely close match.

Here are three clashes to watch out for:

Gianluigi Buffon v Iker Casillas
Two of the world’s best goalkeepers will be on display and it will take something special to get past them. Both have experience of winning major tournaments and both can win their sides matches. Expect top saves and few goals.

Xavi v Andrea Pirlo
Two midfield maestros who can spot a pass no-one else seems to see. Pirlo especially has shone so far in the tournament, and his ability to take a penalty may come in useful too.

Mario Balotelli v Sergio Ramos
Balotelli showed in the semi-final what he is capable of. If he is happy with how things are going and is presented with a chance, a goal is likely. If he is in a mood, expect a moment of madness, such as a lashing out at an opposing defender. Ramos has experience of tolerating rival strikers in El Classico, so will Mario make him crack?

Nerves will no doubt get the better of the two sides in the first half, but with 22, genuinely world-class players on show, there only needs to be one moment of magic to change the match.

I tipped Italy at the very beginning of the tournament so will stick by them.

I think Italy’s cutting edge up front will be the decisive factor, so am going for a 2-0 victory.

France take on Spain this evening in their Euro 2012 quarter-final tie, but their preparations have hardly been the best.

A stuttering 1-1 draw with England in their opening match set the scene for the French, who had high expectations going in to the tournament.

A win against the co-hosts, Ukraine followed, but a defeat against a very average Sweden side has ruffled a few feathers in the French camp.

It’s deja-vu, as supporters will feel it is the World Cup in South Africa all over again, when in-fighting ultimately cost the side.

Laurent Blanc admitted after the Sweden game that there were a few choice words said, something obvious seeing as the group stage was far from a success.

Having said that, France did make it out their group and qualify for the quarter-finals.

The next barrier is World and European champions Spain.

However, the Spanish have not looked like they once were, and a lack of cutting edge up front appears to be glaringly obvious, relying on an out-of-sorts Fernando Torres to fire them to glory, like he did in 2008.

You certainly shouldn’t write them off, but they are beatable, and the French will be keen to exploit this.

The defeat to Sweden may in fact be a blessing in disguise.

The loss will have hurt, and tonight’s game is now or never. The players will be fired up and will want to prove a point.

France beat Spain 2-1 in Euro 2000, and a repeat of that will do just fine tonight.

Laurent Koscielny is set to come in at the back for the suspended Phillipe Mexes, while Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery should be fit.

It’s a difficult one to call, and like the rugby side, it depends which French side turns up.

If they’re on form, I fancy them to beat Spain, but if not, Spain will edge it.

GERMANY’S 4-2 victory over Greece maintains their 100% record at Euro 2012 with four wins in four.

And with a maximum of two games left, the signs are already looking ominous for the teams remaining in the competition.

It all started in their opening group clash with Portugal. Both sides showed nothing too special to worry others, but as time wore on, you felt there was a goal ‘in it’. And there was, late on, with Mario Gomez’s header enough to claim the victory.

Then came Holland, who, prior to the tournament, were tipped as possible winners, but were easily brushed aside by Joachim Loew’s outfit, again thanks to Gomez who scored twice in a 2-1 win.

Finally, Denmark threatened to spoil the party, and, at one stage could have sent the Germans packing, but a late effort from full-back Lars Bender ensured qualification for the quarter final was secured, as group winners.

Loew warned pundits and supporters alike after the win that the Germans would only improve, as Greece found to their cost.

So, from being potentially a kick away from going home, Germany are now in the semi-finals and looking arguably favourites for the title.

On paper and on the field, there is strength all round, and there is strength in depth, shown by the fact that Loew left out three of his main players against the Greeks.

From Neuer at the back, through to Khedira, Ozil and Gomez, they look a formidable opponent for either Italy or, hopefully England in the next round.

They are organised, efficient and effective in everything they do.

The quarter final win was the Germans’ 15th straight win in competitive games.

Bayern Munich take on Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening for the European Cup. Both teams were underdogs in their semi-finals, but sneaked through against all the odds. Bayern have home advantage which makes them favourites, but will they buckle under the pressure?

Here’s my guide to what promises to be a fascinating encounter.

Chelsea

Manager: Roberto di Matteo – likely to be the Italian’s final game in charge so he will want to go out with his name in the history books – for the right reasons.

Key player: Petr Cech – sure to be a busy night for the experienced Czech keeper. He will need to be on top form and ensure his defence stay disciplined (unlike in the semi-final).

Semi-Final: Beat pre-tournament favourites Barcelona 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, before drawing 2-2 in the Nou Camp, despite having captain John Terry sent off.

Both sides will be nervy – Chelsea for simply being in the final, and Bayern for having an expectant home crowd on their backs. The more the game opens up though, the more chances there will be. I think it will go to extra-time, and Bayern will eventually come out on top 3-1.

New England manager Roy Hodgson has announced his 23 man squad for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine.

As ever, on paper it looks a strong group of players but only time will tell if they will be able to perform well as a team when the pressure is on.

Here is my take on the squad:

Goalkeepers:

Barring injury, the number one is and will be Manchester City’s Joe Hart, fresh from his side’s Premier League triumph. The 25-year-old is without doubt the best goalkeeper in this country and has the potential to make the position his own for the next 10 years at international level.

West Ham’s Rob Green is the sole representative (at time of writing) from the Football League, as the Hammers look for an instant return to the top flight with a win over Blackpool in the Championship play-off final on Saturday at Wembley. Green has international experience, but ever since his howler against the USA at the World Cup, his every move is scrutinised in great detail. Despite this, he is an able back-up and is still one of the best keepers in the country on his day.

John Ruddy is England’s third choice in the goalkeeping department. The Norwich City player has enjoyed an excellent season and helped his side to a perfectly respectable 12th place finish. Ruddy is unlikely to play, but the experience of travelling with the squad will do him no harm.

Defenders:

Glen Johnson looks to be the first choice right-back, after Kyle Walker’s injury ruled him out of the tournament. Johnson, the third most expensive right back ever has had an average season for Liverpool, but his attacking threat down the right could be key to England’s success this summer. Phil Jones can also play in the same position, or in central defence. Jones had a strong start to the season with new side Manchester United but has faded in recent months. It is unlikely he will make an impression, but definitely one to look out for in the future.

John Terry will lead the backline, despite a charge hanging over him. The Chelsea captain has had a good season on the pitch though, despite his moment of madness in the Champions League semi-final that cost him a place in Saturday’s final. His presence may raise a few eyebrows among the squad, but if he performs like we know he can, no-one will have any complaints. His Chelsea teammate Gary Cahill may partner Terry in defence. The former Bolton defender has had an excellent last few months and injury free, could potentially be a key player for the side.

Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott has also been given the nod following a successful season in which he helped keep 15 clean sheets. Lescott has little international experience, but has improved greatly these last 12 months. Ashley Cole will once again start at left-back. Cole is arguably the world’s best in this position and is also a threat going forward. The 31-year-old is closing in on 100 appearances for the national side, an outstanding achievement. Everton’s Leighton Baines will provide cover for Cole, so is unlikely to get a game. However, he does have experience and does have a knack of chipping in with the odd goal.

Midfielders:

Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a surprise presence in the midfield. The 18-year-old has put in several excellent performances this season and did not look out of shape when the Gunners took on Italian giants AC Milan. Expect him to be an impact player – coming on for the last 10 minutes or so. This summer will be more important in terms of him getting tournament experience with England, as we all hope he will be a regular feature in the future. Gareth Barry could well start, depending on what formation Hodgson opts for. A no-nonsense player, Barry will not shine going forward but he will be effective in helping the defence.

Frank Lampard has had his critics but continues to perform at the highest level for Chelsea. This is likely to be the 35-year-old’s final tournament for England and he will be desperate to finish his international career on a high. Stewart Downing’s inclusion has astounded fans and pundits alike. The Liverpool player had an extremely disappointing season with the Reds, with not a single goal or assist to his name. It is, therefore, up to him to prove the doubters wrong and show Hodgson was right in selecting him.

Theo Walcott is a possible starter on the right of midfield. The Arsenal winger has the ability to unsettle any defence in the world with his pace and trickery. Another wide player, Ashley Young could make an impact with his pace and eye for goal. Young has enjoyed an excellent season for Manchester United following his move from Aston Villa.

James Milner’s versatility will be important for the side. The Manchester City player has international experience, though the jury is still out on whether he can perform at the highest level. Scott Parker was seen by some as the new captain, having excelled this season for Tottenham Hotspur. Parker has come late on to the international scene, but has shown he can mix it with the very best.

Last but not least in the midfield category is the new captain, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool’s captain was the obvious and best choice for the captaincy and can drive the side forward in times of adversity. Like Lampard, this is likely to be his last tournament with England, and he will be more determined than ever to put on a memorable showing.

Strikers:

Despite being banned for the first two games, Wayne Rooney is included in the squad. There will be a great deal of pressure on him when he does player, and he will need to ensure he keeps his cool if England are going to see the best of him. A game-changer on his day, but the big question will be whether he gets the support he needs up top. Danny Welbeck is another player who has been rewarded for an excellent club season. Welbeck is only 21 and has a bright future ahead, so is unlikely to make a big impact this summer.

On his day, Jermain Defoe is one of the world’s best finishes, although the problem is that his day does not come around too often. Defoe has been among the international set-up since 2004 so he has the experience, all he needs is consistency and a regular starting spot would be his. Finally, Andy Carroll has been included by Hodgson after a good end to the season. Carroll had an extremely slow start to his Liverpool career but is starting to pay back some of his massive £35m price tag. Whether Carroll can cut it at international level is yet to be seen.

THE climax to another enthralling Championship season arrives this Saturday lunchtime, with two promotion positions to be resolved.

Southampton, who are odds-on favourites to join champions elect Reading in automatic promotion to the Premier League, take on an already relegated Coventry City in front of a sold-out St Mary’s Stadium, with a win securing second spot.

Nigel Adkin’s side are looking to make it back-to-back promotions after last year’s success in League One and promotion this season would end a seven-year absence from the top flight.

Any kind of slip-up though by the Saints and West Ham United are poised to pounce, having lost just once in their previous 17 games. The Hammers take on Hull City at Upton Park.

Victory at Leicester City on Monday night has given them a final opportunity to steal back second place, a position they had occupied for the majority of the season.

On paper, the outcome looks straightforward for the Saints, but you just never know and as football experts say, it’s a funny old game.

Meanwhile, the final play-off position will also be decided this weekend.

Cardiff, who currently occupy sixth place, are on 72 points and travel to Crystal Palace, while Middlesbrough, lying two points below, travel to Watford.

A draw for the Welsh side will be enough, unless Tony Mowbray’s side win by 10 clear goals.

The other play-off spots are sorted, with Blackpool and Birmingham occupying the other two places.

Bristol City’s win last weekend secured their status in the Championship for next season, and in doing so sent Portsmouth down, along with Coventry City and Doncaster Rovers.

Whatever happens it promises to be a cracking afternoon of Championship football, with drama, delirium and despair no doubt in evidence at many of the grounds.

I think the Saints will draw at St Mary’s, and this will (just) be enough to claim second spot, while I can’t see beyond regulars Cardiff for the final play-off place.